Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
This delightful Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta combines creamy baked feta cheese with tender roasted broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with a splash of lemon juice, zest, and fresh basil for a bright, flavorful dinner that's easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 8 oz brick of feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the broccoli florets into quarters and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil over the broccoli. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Toss the broccoli to ensure it is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Arrange Feta and Bake: Make a space in the center of the broccoli in the baking dish and place the 8 oz brick of feta cheese there. Drizzle a bit more olive oil and sprinkle some black pepper on top of the feta. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the feta is soft and golden on top.
- Cook Pasta: While the feta and broccoli bake, cook 8 oz (about half a pound) of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine and Mix: Once the feta and broccoli come out of the oven, immediately stir the soft feta with the roasted broccoli to combine into a creamy mixture. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until the mixture reaches your desired creaminess, usually using all 1/2 cup.
- Finish the Dish: Add the warm cooked pasta to the feta and broccoli mixture and stir again to coat all the pasta well. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil. Stir well to fully combine all the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce without adding cream or butter.
- Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Fresh basil adds freshness; if unavailable, parsley can be a substitute.
- For a vegan variation, use vegan feta and omit the cheese baking step or substitute with roasted tofu.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/baked-feta-and-broccoli-pasta-recipe/
